Oct. 22, 2010

HARRISBURG – Holiday shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind, distinctive gifts can add the HACC Artisan Marketplace of Perry County as a must stop on their to-do list.

More than 50 central Pennsylvania artists will have their juried work on sale through the annual marketplace Nov. 6-Dec. 23 at the Perry County Council of the Arts (PCCA), 1 South Second St., Newport.

Guests can meet the artists at a reception 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6.

Walking sticks, Strohsterne (traditional German wheat-woven star ornaments), jewelry, acrylic and oil paintings, photography, stationery, stained glass, ceramics/sculpture, polymer clay, fabric, textile, wood working, felted purses, fishing equipment, mosaic planters and fiber art are some of the handcrafted items available this year.

“The development of these artists is impressive,” said Dave McNaughton, a business counselor for HACC’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies. “The quality of work just gets better and better. The artists have a good business sense and recognize what is selling and focus more on the items that are moving.”

HACC’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and Fulton Bank Small Business Center have partnered with the PCCA to bring the marketplace to the Newport area.

 “It amazes me how each year we find more and more creative artists who participate,” said Fran Verotsky, director of HACC’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies. “The success of the Artisan Marketplace of Perry County has allowed us to expand the program in York and, for the first time this year, in Gettysburg. We are happy to give these artists a venue and opportunity to develop their business.”

Jasmine Colbert, gallery manager for the arts council, says the collaboration with the college benefits all. “The artists work hard to prepare with the support from HACC and the PCCA,” Colbert said. “For shoppers, there’s a wide range of very unique products at varying price points for all kinds of gift giving within a budget.”

Fast Facts:

For more information, call the HACC Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at 1-800-ABC-HACC, ext. 1311; Perry County Council of the Arts at 717-567-7023; or go to www.hacc.edu or www.perrycountyarts.org.